Meet the 24 Scientists Reshaping Cancer Research—And Why Their Work Matters to You

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has just announced 24 new Fellows whose pioneering work is directly changing how doctors prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer—bringing us closer to more effective screening tools and personalized treatments that could save your life. These scientists represent the highest honor in cancer research, selected through rigorous peer review for discoveries that have fundamentally reshaped oncology.

What Makes These Scientists So Important?

The newly elected Fellows of the AACR Academy Class of 2026 aren't just conducting theoretical research—they're developing practical tools and treatments that are already improving patient outcomes. Their work spans everything from early detection methods to understanding why some cancers resist treatment, creating a foundation for the next generation of cancer care.

"This year, we are extremely excited to announce the election of 24 new Fellows of the AACR Academy who embody the pinnacle of scientific excellence," said Margaret Foti, chief executive officer of the AACR. "Together, these individuals from around the globe, specializing in various scientific disciplines, have fundamentally shaped cancer research and improved patient outcomes."

Ways to Understand How Scientists Are Advancing Cancer Detection and Treatment

These researchers are tackling cancer from multiple angles, each contributing pieces to a larger puzzle that's revolutionizing how we approach the disease. Their work includes developing better screening methods, understanding tumor behavior, and creating more targeted treatments with fewer side effects.

The Fellows' contributions span several critical areas of cancer research:

• Early Detection Innovation: Rebecca Fitzgerald is developing the Cytosponge-TFF3 test for Barrett's esophagus, which shows over ten times greater sensitivity than traditional methods and offers a practical, cost-effective alternative to uncomfortable endoscopy procedures
• Precision Medicine Advances: Researchers are using liquid biopsy technology to understand how colorectal cancers develop resistance to targeted therapies like EGFR and HER2 inhibitors, helping doctors choose more effective treatments for individual patients
• Therapeutic Target Discovery: Scientists are mapping previously unknown protein activities in cancer cells using activity-based protein profiling, revealing new targets for drug development and advancing mechanism-based treatments
• DNA Repair Research: Fellows are uncovering how cancer cells fix damaged genetic material through DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and other repair mechanisms, knowledge that's crucial for developing drugs that can overwhelm cancer's repair systems

The impact of this work extends far beyond laboratory discoveries. For example, one Fellow's research into the cyclin-dependent kinase biology has revealed mechanisms responsible for cell division that now underpin several targeted cancer therapies currently used in treatment.

What This Means for Future Cancer Prevention and Treatment

The election of these 24 scientists brings the total number of AACR Academy Fellows to 375, creating what the organization describes as "a reservoir of expertise" that supports research, education, and advocacy for vital research funding. This collective knowledge is accelerating progress toward the AACR's mission to prevent and cure all cancers.

Their work is particularly significant because it addresses multiple aspects of cancer care simultaneously. For example, one Fellow, Rebecca Fitzgerald, is developing non-invasive screening tools that could transform early detection, while others are creating treatments that can target specific tumor characteristics or boost the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

The rigorous selection process for these Fellows ensures that only scientists whose work has left "an enduring mark on cancer research" receive this recognition. Each candidate is evaluated based on the depth and global impact of their contributions, making this honor one of the most prestigious in the field.

These advances represent hope for millions of people worldwide who will face cancer diagnoses in the coming years. By continuing to support and recognize groundbreaking research, the scientific community is building toward a future where cancer becomes increasingly preventable, detectable at earlier stages, and treatable with precision therapies tailored to individual patients' needs.